Scott L. Kastner’s <i>War and Peace in the Taiwan Strait</i> is a standout, combining deep area-studies knowledge with crystal-clear application of international relations theory to advance our understanding of one of this century’s most dangerous potential flashpoints for great-power conflict.

- Thomas J. Christensen, James T. Shotwell Professor of International Relations and director of the China and the World Program, Columbia University, and former deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs,

Kastner offers us a way to answer one of the most pressing international security questions of our time: How likely is war in the Taiwan Strait—and, in turn, the risk of conflict between the United States and China? Drawing together insights from international relations theory and deep knowledge of the case, Kastner gives us a valuable map to navigate these dangerous waters.

- Jacques deLisle, Stephen A. Cozen Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania,

Taiwan is Asia’s most critical flashpoint and the one issue over which a major war between China and the United States could erupt. With analytical clarity and precision, Kastner deftly assesses the pathways to armed conflict across the strait, showing how a war might break out and how such an outcome might be avoided. Anyone interested in the future of peace and stability in Asia should read this book—an important, timely, and significant contribution.

- M. Taylor Fravel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,